U.S. growers who have not submitted their agricultural census forms for the Census of Agriculture to USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service now have more time. The USDA has announced it will accept late returns. Responding to the census — conducted every five years — is required by law, and the privacy of information provided is protected.

By giving an accurate and comprehensive picture of agriculture, the Census is one of the few opportunities for producers to help shape the industry's future, says Dr. Marvin N. Miller, market research manager for Ball Horticultural Company.

"We definitely need our industry's growers to fill out the Census forms and help floriculture and nursery crops be counted among the important segments of U.S. agriculture," Miller says.

It's more than just an accounting of the industry's size, Miller emphasizes. The results are used for lobbying efforts, to justify horticulture programs on campus and extension programs in the states and to justify funding for the SAF/ANLA Floriculture and Nursery Crops Research Initiative, he explains.

Farmers who did not return their forms by the original Feb. 4 due date will receive another copy in the mail.

Growers who have questions or are not sure if they are required to file should call the National Agricultural Statistics Service toll free at (888) 424-7828. The agricultural census  forms can also be submitted online.

--Ira Silvergleit
isilvergleit@safnow.org

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